Jim Courier has enjoyed the kind of life that most could only dream about.

As a former professional tennis player, Courier has travelled around the world for his sport and competed against the heavyweights of the tennis world. Now retired, Courier shows no sign of slowing down. He is still jet setting to exotic locations and challenging his former opponents. So, what has changed? Now, it’s purely for fun.

For Courier, a former world No. 1 and winner of four grand slams, taking part in the Legends Championship, a travelling tennis tournament in which former superstars go head to head, is a great way to stay connected to the game and experience new destinations. Courier was the winner of the first two Legends Tournaments, held at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman. It was no mean feat considering John McEnroe, Mats Wilander and Mark Philippoussis competed.

“The Champions Series was really established as a way for players like myself and [former professional tennis player] Jimmy Arias who have always been competitive, to remain competitive,” Courier said during a visit to Grand Cayman.

“Also to take it to places like Grand Cayman where there isn’t a big professional tournament and no opportunity for people in places like this to see high calibre tennis and big names.

“So I thought there was an opportunity and a real void and I think we’ve done a really nice job of taking tennis to places like here and providing a service to the tennis fans in this area.”

For Courier, one of the major highlights of the Legends Championships is the opportunity to stay at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, which he describes as “the premier resort in the Caribbean”.

“There’s nothing like this in the Caribbean as far as resorts go and there’s nothing like our tournament in the Caribbean, which is why I brought it here,” Courier said.

“The players love to come here. [The tournament] really does showcase the beauty of the islands and the accessibility of it as well.”

The 40-year-old Floridian has always been admired for his work ethic and dedication to training. Despite his retirement, he still loves to exercise and stay in shape.

“Tennis is something that I’ve always done,” he said. “It’s a very complete work out. You run all over in every direction and swinging is a bit like punching, so it’s very much a fitness work out as well. And I’ve really enjoyed chasing behind that pesky little yellow ball as well and if I can control it, it’s a lot of fun.”
Courier believes Cayman is on par with the many wonderful destinations he has visited since turning pro two decades ago.

“It’s superior, and its proximity to the United States makes it special. It also has incredible amenities and it’s just five-star all the way. I always feel lucky and spoiled when I come here.”

Courier has yet to take advantage of Cayman’s world-renowned scuba diving sites.

“I haven’t done scuba here or anywhere, ever. That’s something that I’d like to do at some point but I just haven’t made it in there yet,” he said.

“When I’m here I’m pretty much just playing tennis or I’m by the pool or the beach. I don’t have a ton of down time but I’ve played a little bit of golf on the Ritz course. I really love around sunset hanging out at the bar at the Ritz with some friends, watching the sun come down, having some food and just relaxing. It’s just great. I really like the relaxation aspect.”